Android Authority |
- Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business
- Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean
- HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China
- Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor
- Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor
- Facebook Home ‘HTC first’ phone render hits the web; real or fake?
- Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition
- LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract
- Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end
- Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace?
| Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:34 AM PDT
As you may recall, Quickoffice was originally an independent app before it was bought by Google almost a year ago. Google then released Quickoffice to businesses that were using Google Apps, but only users with an iPad could edit Microsoft Office documents using Quickoffice. Now, Android phones and iPhones will have the same functionality. If your business uses Google Apps, you will now be able to use Quickoffice right alongside your Google Drive to make more powerful edits. You simply select a document from your drive, edit it in Quickoffice, and then save it back to your drive. In addition, Google also made some subtle enhancements to how you can view files from your Google Drive. Now, under your drive files in Quickoffice, you will be able to select any subfolders that you currently have in your Google Drive, making fire organization easier. While this release only affects business users, it is a still a welcomed addition, that removes the previous odd limitation to iPad users. The post Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:57 AM PDT
Samsung took us a little by surprise the other day, when it started rolling out the Jelly Bean update for the Gingerbread-running Galaxy Ace 2. But now it appears Sammy has some other plans for the entry-level family, specifically the launching of a third-generation Ace. If we are to trust Sam Mobile's always informed sources, the GT-S7272 (aka Galaxy Ace 3) is to hit the market in week 22-23 of 2013. That's sometime between May 27 and June 9, which definitely fits the bill given the second-gen Ace was first out in May 2012. Apparently, Sammy is prepping several significant upgrades for the Galaxy Ace 3, starting with the display size's bump from 3.8 to 4 inches. The resolution is unknown at this time, while the rear-facing camera will likely be the same old 5 MP unit. Another important enhancement could come in the processor department. The Ace 2 packs a dual-core NovaThor U8500 clocked at 800 MHz, whereas the Ace 3 is said to come with a mystery 1.2 GHz CPU rocking two cores.
Unfortunately, the measly 1,500 mAh battery will remain the same and there will only be 4 GB of storage inside the Ace 3, meaning the 4-incher will still be stuck in the low-end niche. Hopefully, the 768 MB of RAM will be upgraded to one full gig, while the on-board software will definitely be Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There's no way to know exactly how will the Galaxy Ace 3 look, but chances are Samsung won't drift away from the first and second-gen's designs too much. Another assumption we can make is a big chunk of the marketing campaign will be focusing on design, as the Ace 3 is expected to be available from day one in four color options – Metallic Black, Metallic Blue, Pure White and Wine Red. As for pricing, Sam Mobile expects the dual-SIM variant of the phone to go for around €300 on the old continent. A US release is unlikely to ever happen, but never say never, right? All things considered, does the Ace 3 sound like enough of an upgrade over the second-gen Ace? Would you get it for €300 or are you hoping it’s going to be cheaper after all? The post Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean appeared first on Android Authority. |
| HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:19 AM PDT
The Chinese versions of the HTC One will differ from the models sold in the West, a leaked picture reveals. There's no disputing that the aluminum unibody of the HTC One lend it excellent resistance to mechanical shocks (as illustrated in our recent HTC One drop test), but also a special look and feel that can't be emulated through other designs. But the unibody approach has its own set of drawbacks, mainly the sealed battery, which cannot be replaced by the user, and the absence of a microSD card slot or of a secondary SIM slot. At least two of these inconveniences will apparently be absent from the Chinese versions of the HTC One. The device selling on China Unicom (one of the big three carriers in the country) will feature a removable back cover that exposes a microSD card and two SIM slots. One of the slots can accommodate the WCDMA SIM used by the Chinese carrier. As you can see from the featured image, the battery of the device, codenamed 802w, is still non-removable. Seeing that China got a slightly improved version of the HTC One (well, at least from some perspectives) begs the question – why hasn't HTC offered the same features in North America, Europe, and other markets? It's a matter of balancing the perceived priorities of the consumers in each market. HTC, as every other phone maker, tries to meet the lowest common denominator, the design that will appeal to the largest number of potential customers. In China, the dual-SIM and the SD slot are a priority for a larger number of users, while the more premium feel conferred by a unibody design is secondary. In the Western markets, HTC probably considers that people don't care as much for these features, and put a greater value on the solid, luxurious feel of a solid metal chassis. A wise decision? We'll see when the HTC One goes on sale. The post HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:11 AM PDT
Google isn’t exactly the biggest name in search in all corners of the world. In China, Google is practically a minority, especially given the government’s ban on some services, thanks to the so-called “Great Firewall of China.” Baidu takes the top spot in search in China, with more than 70% user base. Google has a mere 3% or so. Baidu even has a latent mobile OS project based on Android, which is Baidu Yi. While we have not seen significant traction in this area, Baidu seems to be taking cues from Google when it comes to mobile development. Case in point: Baidu also wants to develop its own Google Glass counterpart.  Photo credit: Sina Tech Baidu’s device will be called “Baidu Eye,” and industry insiders report that the prototype device is as functional and extensible as Google Glass, reports Sina Tech. The prototype has an LCD display (likely to be projected through a prism), voice-controlled image recognition, and even a bone-conduction earpiece technology similar to Google Glass’ own. Baidu Eye will support gesture controls, voice commands for doing basic web searches and placing calls. Baidu is also reportedly working with Qualcomm to produce chips that will power the device. The company is said to be aiming to extend Baidu Eye’s battery life to 12 hours. By contrast, while Google wants Glass to last a full day, real-world testing of early prototypes get users about six hours of use. TechinAsia has some interesting perspectives on Baidu Eye, though. Given the Chinese government’s propensity for censorship and secrecy, Baidu Eye might make an even bigger issue in terms of privacy and media controls — even bigger than it is in America for Google Glass. Right now, advocacy groups are looking to have Google Glass banned because of potential threats to privacy. Would the Chinese government have the same reaction against the potential implications of having everyone record — and the broadcast — just about any event in the public (and private) eye with their Glass-like devices? What’s clear at this point is that wearable devices are in fashion today, with Google building enough interest in Glass, Apple rumored to have an “iWatch” coming soon, and other companies like Baidu launching their own efforts. After smartphones and tablets, are connected watches, glasses and other accessories coming to the limelight soon? The post Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:30 AM PDT
Since updates from Amazon and Apple are also extremely likely this summer, Google is clearly intent on increasing its tablet market share. The projected sales figure of 8 million tablets is the first time that details have been released (leaked) about how Google expects the Nexus 7 to perform. The new Nexus 7 will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, possibly the S4 Pro as that is already being used in the Nexus 4, but the Snapdragon 600 isn’t out of the question; a higher screen resolution display (possibly 1920 x 1080); and a thinner bezel. The move to Qualcomm for the new Nexus 7 is being seen as a blow to NVIDIA who is competing fiercely with Qualcomm and Samsung for the number one spot at the top end of the mobile processor market. Of course pricing is key in the 7 to 8 inch tablet market. The cheapest Apple tablet, the iPad mini, costs $329 and is quite low on specs (it only has a dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM and a 1024 x 768 resolution display). Amazon have the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD which cost $159 and $199 respectively. It is likely that Amazon will revamp its Kindle Fire line as well this year (but probably later than the July date given for the new Nexus 7). HP is planning to release the Slate this summer for $169, a very competitive price but it only has a dual-core CPU and a 1024 x 600 resolution display. The Kindle Fire is $10 cheaper and comes with a better display. There are several options for Google in terms of pricing. It could just simply replace the current Nexus 7 and keep the entry price the same ($199). Or it could do what Amazon did with the Kindle Fire and keep selling the current Nexus 7 (but with only 8GB of flash) for a dramatically lower price ($159 or even lower) and sell the new model at $199. Reuters tried contacting Google, Qualcomm and NVIDIA but, as to be expected, none of the companies had any comments to make. The post Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Facebook Home ‘HTC first’ phone render hits the web; real or fake? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:36 PM PDT
With a couple of days to go until Facebook officially unveils its "new home for Android," we continue to see a variety of reports detailing the social network's new mobile initiative, with the latest one including what looks like the first render of HTC's upcoming Facebook phone. Dubbed as the "HTC first," the device above may be showing us the real deal, but it may just as well be a fake meant to attract some attention before the big day. However, it's worth pointing out that the image comes that the often-reliable @evleaks Twitter account that provided countless pictures of upcoming mobile devices in the past, ahead of their actual announcement. The HTC first is known by another name from previous rumors, HTC Myst, and it's reportedly going to be a 4.3-inch device that will feature a 720p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE (support for AT&T bands,) 5-megapixel camera, 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and Sense UI 4.5 on top which will include the new Facebook Home.
Earlier today we showed you a report that detailed how the Facebook Home environment would look and feel like on top of Android, although a full demo of Facebook Home is not available at this time. We'll have to wait for the special event on Thursday for Zuckerberg and Co. to fully showcase the Facebook-based user interface that could transform your phone's Android experience in the future. As for the image above, it's too early to tell you if it's real or not. The HTC first does look like an iPhone, just like previous reports said it would, complete with what seems to be a circular button flanked by two other capacitive buttons. It also has the on/off button on the top right side, while the volume controls are placed on the left side. Like always with such renders, hang on to that grain of salt as we wait for official press images of the device. Would you be interested in such an Android smartphone? The post Facebook Home 'HTC first' phone render hits the web; real or fake? appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:55 PM PDT
Last week, Humble Bundle launched an Android bundle with six games, two of which you would only get if you payed above the average price. Today, the guys at Humble Bundle have added three more games to that list: Another World, Funky Smugglers and Raiden Legacy. If you’ve already purchased the bundle, the games should be available via the Humble Bundle download page. If you haven’t gotten the bundle yet, there’s one week left to the sale, which should give you just enough time to make a decision! Humble Bundle originally launched the first Android exclusive mobile bundle last week. It offered six games: Anomaly Korea, Bladeslinger, Plants vs. Zombies and Contre Jour, Metal Slug 3 and The Room. The latter two games can be still be obtained by paying above the average.
The post Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition appeared first on Android Authority. |
| LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:47 PM PDT
Verizon fans looking for a decent mid-ranger without paying a cent might want to check out the LG Lucid 2. As previously rumored, the phone has now been confirmed for arrival to Verizon’s network on April 4th. The specs certainly won’t blow anyone away, but they aren’t half-bad considering the phone is free. The handset has a 4.3-inch IPS display with a qHD resolution and is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB of RAM. Other specs include 8GB storage, microSD, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 5MP rear cam and optional wireless charging capabilities. For those that think this phone looks pretty familiar, that’s because it basically a rebranded Optimus F5. The biggest difference here though is the battery. The phone will pack a 2,460 mAh battery, which is pretty damn good when you consider the modes specs on the handset. In contrast, the F5 came standard with a 2,150 mAh battery. To get a better look at what you can expect with the LG Lucid 2, check out the hands-on video for its close cousin, the F5. Bottom-line, at $0 with a two-year contract and a reasonably large battery, this phone could be perfect for those that are looking for an entry or mid-range device without having to give up any cash up-front. The LG Lucid 2 probably isn’t going to impress your friends, but if you uses are modest, it should still provide a reasonably enjoyable Android experience. ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics USA today launched the Lucid™2 by LG smartphone, available exclusively from Verizon Wireless. Starting today, Lucid2 by LG will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for free with a new two-year service agreement. Designed for both the first-time smartphone user and the mass 4G LTE market, Lucid2 by LG helps smartphone users effortlessly and intuitively manage the fun and busyness of everyday life. Featuring a Starter Mode with helpful widgets, a smooth, simplified user interface and a long-lasting battery, as well as a Standard Mode with five customizable home screens, Lucid2 offers a more personalized experience that can be easily tailored to any user’s preferences. “In today’s highly connected world, mobile devices have become an essential tool for helping people balance their lives,” saidGeorg Rasinski , director, mobile brand management, LG Electronics USA. “Whether it’s a morning meeting, a family get-together or weekend shopping, Lucid2 by LG is designed to provide first-time smartphone users with an intuitive yet robust smartphone to stay connected and help accomplish their daily tasks.” Lucid2 by LG also comes with all of the apps first-time smartphone users need to personalize and explore the smartphone world. With QuickMemo™, users can customize their photos and screenshots with creative commentary by using a single finger to write or draw on any image, then share them via their social media profiles or email. Users can also take snapshots of their favorite moments using Lucid2 by LG’s 5-megapixel camera and fun, creative camera features like Time Catch Shot or Cheese Shot, ensuring important memories are captured for future sharing. With Time Catch Shot, users can snap several pictures before pressing the shutter button, ensuring the best photos are never missed. Additionally, users can use Live Shot to take pictures while recording video or Cheese Shutter to take voice-activated photos by simply saying “cheese.” Lucid2′s rear-facing 1080p HD camera allows users to record and then edit video using Video Wiz, adding in their own transitions and subtitles. In addition to capitalizing on Verizon Wireless’s powerful 4G LTE network, Lucid2 by LG sports a full suite of wireless connectivity features, including Bluetooth® Version 4.0 and LG Smart Share, which lets users easily send videos, pictures and music wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices like your flat screen TV. Lucid2 by LG also comes with an efficient, long-lasting 2,460 mAh battery and convenient wireless-charging capabilities*, perfect for the all-day demands and joys of work and personal life. Using the all-new LG WCP-300 Wireless Charging Pad, featuring a sleek, low-profile compact and portable design, users can charge Lucid2 by LG wirelessly when paired with a Wireless Charging Standard Battery Cover. Lucid2 by LG features a compact, stylish design that makes it easy to grip and is equipped with a big, bright 4.3-inch qHD Advanced High Performance (AH) In-Plane-Switching (IPS) display that enhances the viewing experience for watching videos, reading eBooks and browsing the web in stunning clarity and natural color. Combined with 4G LTE speeds and a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait dual-core processor, first-time smartphone users can stream video, update their social media profiles, read reviews and more in seconds. Key Features Include:
Pricing and Availability:
The post LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:10 PM PDT
Google sent out thousands of invitations to #ifihadglass winners and today the official Project Glass Google+ page announced the Explorer Program has come to a close. All invitations have been sent and if you didn’t receive one, well, better luck next time. If you want to stay in the loop, you can visit the Glass website and sign up via email. With the program coming to an end, we’re closer to getting our hands on the real thing. Google has been very careful with who they allow to use Glass, requiring developers at a recent hackathon to sign very restrictive NDAs. However, Google is investing big on this supposedly revolutionary product and has taken an almost Apple approach when it comes to secrecy. Sergey Brin believes that Google Glass will help free us up from distractions and focus on the interactions that truly matter. For #ifihadglass winners who received an invitation to get their hands on Glass, they’ll have to shell out $1,500 and travel to New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to pick up in person. The post Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:06 PM PDT
As the nation goes crazy for faster and faster mobile data, carriers are running out of capacity. Now goes the hunt to find more wireless spectrum to push those Instagram photos, WhatsApp chats and Skype video-conferences on. There is a “looming spectrum crisis,” as FCC chairman Julius Genachowski has been claiming since he took office in 2009. With mobile users becoming more data-hungry than ever, carriers are scrambling to secure so-called airspace. The target: TV stations and networks. With increased demand, however, spectrum allocation is becoming more and more expensive, and government is trying to encourage media networks into auctioning off their allocation, with some of the proceeds then being used to establish a public safety broadcast network. The move does have its detractors, though. While the FCC, CTIA and Cisco Systems believe that broadcast companies should give way to more data-oriented usage of the UHF spectrum, some lobby groups — which include the National Association of Broadcasters — believe this move will hamper the media industry’s own efforts to develop its own mobile technologies, such as streaming. Even as broadcasters are finding their assets and licenses suddenly skyrocketing in value, the so-called “spectrum grab” might not exactly offer a balanced view of the industry, in which broadcast companies are seen as the old guard, while telecoms companies with their 4G networks are going to usher in new frontiers in communication. It’s not all about network capacity, too. Even re-allocating UHF channels 32 to 51, for instance, would entail major costs on TV stations operating on these frequencies. Shifting bands (say from UHF to VHF) will require physically changing antenna infrastructure and even relocating transmission stations, due to the different nuances between these bands. Some groups, mostly in the academe, are on a wait-and-see philosophy, and are actually conducting studies to look into how to better use what existing capacity networks have, without the need to acquire additional spectrum. As mobile users, do we have to fear that day in which our data access will slow down to a halt because network capacity can no longer support services? It’s an ongoing debate, and a feature on Variety tries to shed some light on the matter. One thing we can learn from this debate is that our increasing demand for mobile access is already taking a toll on a resource previously thought to be abundant. It’s thin air, after all — or actually just an invisible portion of the light spectrum. The post Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace? appeared first on Android Authority. |
Google will refresh the Nexus 7 this summer and in doing so it will switch from using NVIDA’s Tegra 3 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor. According to two different sources, who have spoken to Reuters, Google wants to sell 8 million of the revamped Nexus 7 during the second half of this year.
Almost a week after launching 
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